South Central

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Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Naravane Memoir, LAC China Claims & Questions for the Govt | South Central Episode 62

    1 DAY AGO

    Naravane Memoir, LAC China Claims & Questions for the Govt | South Central Episode 62

    This week, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the controversy over former Army Chief General MM Naravane's unpublished memoir, Four Stars of Destiny, and the political storm it has stirred in the Parliament. They are joined by senior journalist and founding editor of The Wire, MK Venu, and Caravan magazine’s Consulting Editor, Sushant Singh, who wrote about the book. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:19 - Headlines  00:13:00- Naravane’s memoir 00:56:47 - Free Speech  1:04:31 - Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m
  2. India-US trade deal and Karnataka’s plan to bring back student elections | South Central Podcast

    6 FEB

    India-US trade deal and Karnataka’s plan to bring back student elections | South Central Podcast

    In the first session, hosts Pooja Prasanna and Anisha Sheth discuss the India-US trade deal and the recently announced reduction in tariffs. They are joined by senior journalists Smita Sharma and TK Arun. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the ban on student elections in Karnataka and the Congress government’s proposal to bring it back. They are joined by Professor Muralidhar PS of the Bangalore University, President of the Teacher’s union. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:26 - Headlines  00:16:40- India-US Tariff 1:05:32 - Campus Politics Returns? 1:29:22 - Recommendations  You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 32m
  3. UGC rules protests and the myth of “misuse”, Kerala SNDP-NSS breakup | South Central Episode 60

    30 JAN

    UGC rules protests and the myth of “misuse”, Kerala SNDP-NSS breakup | South Central Episode 60

    In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the new UGC equity regulations and the protests around them. They are joined by TNM’s Executive Editor Sudipto Mondal and rights lawyer Mridula Vanangamudi. Then they look at the fast-paced political negotiations and developments in Kerala, headed for Assembly polls soon. The hosts are joined by Damodar Prasad, a senior political analyst based in Kerala. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:02:47: Headlines  00:09:36 - UGC Rules  00:50:37 - Kerala Politics  1:20:52 - Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m
  4. Cinema, Politics and the War on Film Critics | South Central Podcast ft. Sucharita Tyagi, Anna MM Vetticad

    23 JAN

    Cinema, Politics and the War on Film Critics | South Central Podcast ft. Sucharita Tyagi, Anna MM Vetticad

    In this episode, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the organised hate campaigns against film reviewers in the country. The discussion spans themes including the communal profiling of actors and reviewers and delves into whether fan culture catalyses the polarisation of films based on nationalism, religion, and gender politics. Joining the hosts are acclaimed film critics Anna MM Vetticad and Sucharita Tyagi. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:00:00- Introduction  00:01:46 - Headlines  00:14:34- Film Review Backlash 01:23:27-  Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 27m
  5. Franco to Rahul Mamkootathil, power rewrites consent | Karnataka's Stuck Govt | South Central Episode 58

    16 JAN

    Franco to Rahul Mamkootathil, power rewrites consent | Karnataka's Stuck Govt | South Central Episode 58

    In the first session of the episode, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna discuss the intersection of consent, agency and institutional power in sexual assault cases, like in the cases of Kerala MLA Rahul Mamkootathi, acquitted Bishop Franco Mulakkal, ex-BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar and more. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Nidhi Suresh, TNM Associate Editor and gender journalist Sukanya Shaji, and senior journalist and teacher Maya Sharma. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts and Maya delve into Karnataka’s so called ‘government on maintenance’ and allegations of the Congress squandering away its power. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:00:00- Introduction  00:02:27 - Headlines  00:10:40 - Power rewrites consent 00:59:06 - Karnataka Govt 01:17:29- Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 26m
  6. Chandrababu Naidu’s RSS shift and the Kochi Biennale controversy | South Central Episode 57

    9 JAN

    Chandrababu Naidu’s RSS shift and the Kochi Biennale controversy | South Central Episode 57

    In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the recent political developments in Andhra Pradesh, including CM Chandrababu Naidu’s growing affiliation with the BJP. They are joined by professor, politician, and political analyst K Nageshwar. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the controversy at the Kochi Biennale, where a painting by artist Tom Vattakuzhy, titled ‘Supper at Nunnery’ was withdrawn due to pressure from Christian groups. The hosts also discuss resistance to art in general, and are joined by Kavitha Balakrishnan, an art history lecturer, poet, curator and author. Read the Sridhar Vembu profile Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:00:00- Introduction  00:02:05 - Headlines  00:10:10 - Andhra Politics  00:52:05 - Kochi Biennale Row  01:15:39- Recommendations  You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Bhuvan Malik, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 21m
  7. 10-minute delivery at what cost? South Central on gig worker rights | Episode 56

    2 JAN

    10-minute delivery at what cost? South Central on gig worker rights | Episode 56

    In this episode of South Central, hosts Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna first discuss the strike by gig workers on December 25th and 31st, what their demands are and whether the existing framework of payouts and stipulated minimum delivery time violates their rights. The hosts are joined by Shaikh Salahuddin, founder and president of Telangana Gig And Platform Workers Union, and Maitreyi Krishnan, a lawyer and president of the All India Lawyers Association for Justice. In the second part of the discussion, the hosts delve into the upcoming elections in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and what alliances will fly and which of them will likely fail. The hosts are joined by senior journalist Dr RK Radhakrishnan. Once a month, we will invite one TNM subscriber to the show. Write to us on what you would like to speak about to southcentral@thenewsminute.com  Send your thoughts, suggestions and criticism as well. Audio Timecodes  00:00:00- Introduction  00:03:10 - Headlines  00:12:03 - Gig Workers Strike   00:52:16 - TN & Kerala Elections  01:27:02- Recommendations You can also let us know what you think by filling out our quick feedback form. Your suggestions help shape future episodes of South Central. Check out the recommendations and references from this episode. Become a subscriber - Click here. Contribute to our reporting fund. Click here.  To check out our other shows, Click here  To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Produced by Megha Mukundan, edited by Jaseem Ali, written by Sukanya Shaji. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 32m
  8. Hafta X South Central: Highs & lows of media in 2025, influencers in news, Arnab’s ‘turnaround’

    27/12/2025

    Hafta X South Central: Highs & lows of media in 2025, influencers in news, Arnab’s ‘turnaround’

    For this special year-ender episode, Newslaundry’s Abhinandan Sekhri and Manisha Pande and The News Minute’s Dhanya Rajendran and Pooja Prasanna are joined by columnist and media critic Santosh Desai. The conversation begins with a wrap of the Indian media ecosystem this year. Santosh says, “Institutions are struggling to retain credibility and resist pressure.” Dhanya argues that mainstream media exerts significant influence over people, but on social media, the results vary. Discussing the state of the media more specifically in Karnataka, Pooja notes that although it's “heavily compromised”, it can still be seen as a “lesser evil” compared to the Hindi and English media. Manisha argues that, in terms of news consumption, the internet can be very ruthless – in contrast to legacy media, which does not have to face the crash and burn. She cites the example of Beer Biceps, whose rapid rise and fall illustrate this ruthlessness. Some influencers, Dhanya says, have also realised that “credibility comes with consistency”. On the economic front, Abhinandan explains, “It is the lethargy of legacy media that is reflected in their belief about how business is done – in large spaces and studios. Hence, sustainability and viewership become two completely different things.” The panel also discusses advertisements that make them nostalgic. Dhanya says, “Now, we pay to remove ads. I cannot remember the last time I watched an ad.” Meanwhile, Abhinandan notes, “The death of ads is the death of jingles, which in turn traces to the death of radio.” While discussing Arnab Goswami's recent shows that questioned the central government, Pooja remarks, “This man can damage the country by stooping so low, but all it takes for him to be viewed as a crusader is the targeting of a soft issue as a larger strategy.” This and a lot more. Tune in! Letters to NL Hafta and South Central: ‘Pointless’ Nikhil Kamath article, love for Dhanya and improving AQI 2025 is coming to an end, make it count: https://rzp.io/rzp/gnWUWkc Support the show: https://rzp.io/rzp/south-central For viewers outside India: https://buy.stripe.com/dR6bK841T9ll0GAeVg South Central Feedback Survey: https://forms.gle/fotHnLrY7uEVbzSB8 Recommendations: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SuGm5-JwvRc4SCazAtW9956IKfsy3RrTJOFMsvbhmGE/edit?gid=0#gid=0 To not miss any updates, join TNM's WhatsApp Channel! Click here Timecodes 00:00:00 - Introductions & announcements 00:02:16 - Headlines 00:07:30 - Brands vs individuals: Understanding news models  00:33:15 - Karnataka Hate Speech Bill 00:38:00 - How has advertising changed? 00:59:00 - Santosh’s recommendations 01:00:00 - Arnab Goswami’s turnaround  01:07:00 - Christmas violence   01:12:00 - Letters 01:35:13 - Recommendations  Song: Badumbaaa - Zumba Zumba References Prasar Bharati’s curliest tale: How taxpayer money was used for influencer content Kiran Bedi Tapes: Does the law allow a ‘concerned mother’ to request a surveillance operation? Read Santosh Desai’s columns  Abhinandan’s interview with Dhruv Rathee  Abhinandan’s interview with Harvinder Kaur Chowdhury Recommendations Santosh Desai  New India by Rahul Bhatia  Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt Pluribus The Expanse Abhinandan  Believer's Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right's Path to Power, 1977–2018 by Abhishek Choudhary Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right, 1924–1977 by Abhishek Choudhary  Pooja Prasanna A Controversial Judge  Dhanya The Dig: Keeladi and the Politics of India's Past by Sowmiya Ashok Serial The Muhammad Yunus government played with fire, now Bangladesh burns again Believer's Dilemma Manisha  Shattered Lands : Five Partitions and the Making of Modern Asia by Sam Dalrymple Gods Guns & Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity by Manu S. Pillai Subscribe to Newslaundry and The News Minute Lapgun DJ Check out previous Hafta recommendations, references, songs and letters. Recorded and produced by Priyali Dhingra. Production assistance by Megha Mukundan and  Ajay. Edited by Saif Ali Ekram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 43m
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About

Welcome to South Central, a podcast from The News Minute dedicated to bringing the south of India to the forefront. Each episode dives into the stories, challenges, and perspectives that shape the region and often go unheard in national conversations. South Central is led by TNM's Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran and co-hosted by TNM's Reporting Head, Pooja Prasanna. Together, they bring sharp insights, on-the-ground expertise, and a commitment to exploring the issues that truly matter in the south. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    The News Minute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The News Minute
  • Show Website
    South Central

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